It takes any handbag line a couple of seasons after launch to find its true voice, but being the industry veteran that she is, Diane von Furstenberg’s accessories collection seems to have found its niche in record time. The brand had a breakout hit with the Stephanie in its first season and has continued to produce well-priced favorites since then, but of all the choices, DVF’s Harper bags have always been my favorites. The addition of a tote to the line only further cements that feeling.

The Diane von Furstenberg Harper Leather Satchel is the kind of bag that we routinely praise around here: Functional, neutral, but with enough interesting details so that it doesn’t fade into that background as another purse that sacrificed aesthetics for utility. This is a Fall 2011 bag, so you’ll have to wait until July for delivery, but take it from someone who knows about waiting for a pre-order all too well: When your perfect new bag arrives one day, it’ll all be worth it.

If you’ve been considering one of DVF’s bags, now’s a good time to buy in. Fall 2011 is her best accessories collection to date, with covetable bags in multiple sizes and textures, but this one might be the most long-term functional of them all. The big hardware and tassel are important, current design elements, but in a couple of seasons, they won’t make the bag look old because they’re not part of an obvious seasonal trend. Choosing a bag for the long haul can be hard, but this tote is a pretty safe bet. But don’t worry, it’s not safe in a bad way. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $675.